Yemi Alade Named Spotify’s “EQUAL Africa Artiste” For January 

Spotify’s EQUAL Africa initiative launched in 2023 by highlighting multi-talented Nigerian musician Yemi Alade. Alade, Africa’s foremost female Afro Pop performer, is the most recent addition to the list of talented musicians included on the EQUAL Africa playlist.

By Omotayo Olutekunbi

The Spotify EQUAL Africa program aims to give female musicians the tools and resources they need to develop their work and get access to global audiences through various playlists. The recipients also receive off-platform coaching and resources to advance their musical careers even further.

“It’s a great time to be alive, female artists have quadrupled in number compared to a decade ago. The only thing we ask now, in this male-dominated industry, is for equal opportunities. Equal opportunities to be seen, for our talents to be showcased, because in the ‘universe of music’ there is no gender, only potential, creativity, and pure magic,” Alade says.

The spotlight is nothing new to Alade. She is a member of the elite of Afro Pop, having released four albums, an EP, and smash songs including Johnny, Shekere, Africa, oh my god, and Bum Bum.

She has entertained audiences including the British Royal Family on stages in Africa, Europe, and the USA, but this singer-songwriter is also a star on television. With her blockbuster hit track Johnny, Alade is the first African female Afro Pop singer to surpass 100 million views on YouTube and VEVO. It is now the most-watched video from an African female pop star ever.

Alade has received several honors in addition to being nominated for numerous BET and MOBO Awards. She won the best female artist award at the 2015 and 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards. Along with Mr. Eazi and Tekno, she is a featured artist on the song Don’t Jealous Me from Beyoncé’s compilation album “The Lion King: The Gift.” She also performs on the Grammy-winning album “Mother Nature,” which features the lead single by Angelique Kidjo.

Aside from being a musician, Alade is also an actor, a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, and the founder of her own nonprofit organization, the James and Helen Pathway Foundation.

“Yemi is such a talented artist who has already carved out a solid place in the music industry. Spotify is looking forward to showcasing her talent to an even wider audience, and working with her to further map out her success,” says Spotify’s head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.